Country Legend Merle Haggard Has Died at 79

Country legend Merle Haggard has died at age 79, after a battle with pneumonia. Haggard’s manager confirmed the news of his April 6 death — the day of his 79th birthday. Haggard had been struggling with pneumonia for over a year and, despite an initial hope of recovery, canceled his tour dates for the rest of the year just last week. Born during the Depression, Haggard had a lengthy and lauded career in country music, having been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and receiving a Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award in 2010. Haggard’s musical legacy includes songs like “Mama Tried” and “Okie from Muskogee.” Haggard died near his home in California and is survived by six children.